• Hugging and kissing by the nanny is acceptable but within reasonable limits. Anyone else doing so should immediately ring alarm bells even if the gesture is not offensive. The child at a young age is unable to discern what’s right and wrong particularly when it’s a regular occurrence.
• Correcting a child should never involve physical actions (spanking, using of objects to hit the child, etc).
• Inappropriate television programmes, video clips on cell phones must all be curtailed.
• Do not permit the support staff to take pictures of your child or any other member of the household. In today’s world of smartphones and rapid internet connections it calls for even more vigilance.
• Children while commuting in vehicles must not be permitted to sit in the lap of those driving the vehicle. Aside from the safety risk, the child is given a conflicting message on the appropriateness of sitting in the lap of someone. Car seats are the solution.
• Install a Nanny Cam: Easy to set up cameras are available in the market and are particularly an effective way of monitoring. These can be set up to allow remote monitoring as well.

Teaching the child

• You know what’s wrong; your staff knows what’s wrong but don’t forget the child.
• Learn to recognise the difference in your child’s mannerisms (particularly when hiring a new support staff member).

• A grandparent, a sibling who can immediately inform you, the nanny (in case someone from the family is not available)
• Situations can vary but what is essential for the child is to understand that they must bring it the attention of someone.
• Teach the child what is inappropriate with the aid of books, videos or just your own words and actions.

• When bathing however, it is necessary
• Doctors’ checkups aren’t bad either
• A stranger in the park, someone at school though are wrong

Stranger danger

• Never accept anything from a stranger (toys, eatables, money, etc.).
• Never go to confined spaces with a stranger even if it comes with a promise to return their toy, ball, etc. that may have gone there.
• Never leave with a stranger unless an adult, they trust, has asked them to do so.
• Differentiate between a safe and unsafe stranger — policemen, teachers, security guards are considered safe but care and caution apply here as well.